| Summary: | M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) === Osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the synovial joints of the body, most commonly the knee and hip (Colledge et al., 2010). OA is the most prevalent joint disorder worldwide (Ickinger & Tikly, 2010). The prevalence of OA of the knee in developing countries, including South Africa, is expected to increase due to the increase in obesity and life-expectancy (Woolf & Pfleger, 2003). OA not only impacts negatively on many areas of the patient’s personal life, but it also has a considerable impact on health care systems and cost to the patient (Lapsley et al., 2001; Majani et al., 2005). The two main complaints in patients suffering from OA of the knee are knee pain and decreased daily functionality, such as walking (Samson et al., 2007). The main aim of conventional treatment is pain reduction. This treatment does not prevent progression of the OA, and may have negative side-effects (Day & Graham, 2005). Treatments for OA, such as OsteoEze GoldTM, may provide an effective and safer alternative. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of OsteoEze GoldTM on pain and functional ability in osteoarthritis of the knee using the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) scale: knee version (Appendix D) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test (Appendix E). This was a 16-week study, conducted at the Homoeopathic Health Centre, Doornfontein campus (DFC), University of Johannesburg (UJ). The study was randomised, double blind placebo controlled, and matched pairs were utilised. Sixty-seven participants, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were recruited, and 48 of the participants completed the study. Participants were recruited by advertisements, placed in and around the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre (with relevant permission given) and by word of mouth. The participants were split into two groups using matched pairs according to age, gender and severity of symptoms (Appendix H). The participants in group A received the OsteoEze GoldTM capsules, and the participants in group B received the placebo capsules. Each capsule of OsteoEze GoldTM contained 500mg glucosamine sulphate, 267mg of chondroitin sulphate, 50mg of vitamin C and 1mg of manganese. The OsteoEze GoldTM or the placebo capsules were distributed at the initial (week-0) and second (week-8) consultations.
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